After her martial soul evolution, Juzi's appearance and demeanor underwent remarkable changes.
Early in the morning, Qianran woke to find an alluring fragrance emanating from Juzi's body. She had always carried a light, natural scent, but now it was more pronounced. Qianran usually disliked overpowering fragrances—he couldn't stand women wearing heavy perfume—but Juzi's scent was invigorating rather than overwhelming.
A woman's natural fragrance was best when subtle. If it was too strong, even Qianran would get dizzy after a while.
However, Juzi's scent was entirely natural, refreshing, and uplifting.
Qianran also noticed that Juzi's skin had become visibly softer and fairer, its texture luminous.
Judging by these changes, Qianran concluded that Juzi had likely become one of the most elite food-type soul masters, rivaling legends like Oscar from a thousand years ago. Considering the treasure came from the system's rewards, its effectiveness was guaranteed.
Sleeping peacefully beside him, Juzi looked even more sweet and gentle. Her delicate frame emitted a captivating aroma that stirred Qianran's interest.
Unable to resist, Qianran pulled back the blanket, burying his face in Juzi's chest and stomach, taking a deep breath. The fragrance was intoxicating, and he let out a satisfied sigh.
"She smells divine."
Qianran wondered if these changes were temporary or permanent.
Juzi, still fast asleep, showed no signs of waking. Her lips were slightly parted, her serene expression imbued with a trace of innocent allure.
Perhaps she was exhausted from staying up late the night before, coupled with the comfort brought by her martial soul's transformation. Normally, Juzi was always up before him, even preparing his clothes and morning necessities.
But now, seeing Juzi in such a peaceful, dreamlike state, Qianran decided not to disturb her.
He wanted her to rest.
Juzi's current appearance was rare—a sleeping beauty radiating a mesmerizing natural fragrance that Qianran couldn't help but admire.
"You're so beautiful, Juzi," Qianran murmured. He used his finger to gently part her soft lips and leaned in for a kiss.
Her body had undergone many subtle changes, all for the better.
It was often said that powerful people were never unattractive. Even if someone's features were ordinary, their enhanced presence made them radiant.
"Huh?"
Qianran's gaze shifted from her face to her feet. Juzi's small feet were as exquisite as Keke's, though slightly larger due to her taller stature. They appeared delicate yet elegant.
What caught Qianran's attention, however, was the pair of plain white cotton socks she was wearing.
Juzi rarely wore stockings before their relationship, only donning them occasionally for dates at his request. Her usual footwear of choice included ordinary cotton socks like these.
Although Qianran typically had no particular feelings for cotton socks, seeing Juzi's petite feet encased in them now struck him as incredibly charming.
Perhaps he had grown a bit tired of stockings, but today, her look enchanted him.
Grinning mischievously, Qianran slowly peeled one of the socks from Juzi's foot, letting it dangle from her toes. His fingers traced her tender soles and soft insteps, their delicate pink hue radiating a subtle allure. Juzi's toes instinctively curled in response to the tickling sensation.
He couldn't resist savoring her soft, dainty feet...
"Qianran, why are you up so early?"
Juzi stirred awake to find Qianran holding her foot, her cheeks flushing crimson with embarrassment.
This scoundrel! What had he been up to while she was asleep?
She had fallen asleep thinking Qianran was exhausted, but here he was, fully rejuvenated. His recovery was truly astonishing.
"How do you think?" Qianran teased, his gentle caresses turning firm as he grasped her ankle. His lips curled into a roguish grin.
"You're stunning, Juzi," Qianran said, his admiration evident.
"Am I?" Juzi blinked at him, her shyness barely veiling her delight.
"Of course! You're exceptionally beautiful today. It must be from refining that potion. Haven't you noticed how fragrant you are?" Qianran chuckled. A more beautiful Juzi only meant more joy for him.
"I didn't notice until you mentioned it," Juzi admitted. Her focus had been on her newfound strength, not her physical transformation. But now that Qianran pointed it out, she realized the subtle but significant improvements to her body.
Her once imperfect skin now felt flawless, and her body exuded a pleasing natural fragrance.
Elated, Juzi couldn't stop smiling. Every woman loves to be admired, and Qianran's genuine appreciation filled her with pride.
His obvious satisfaction reassured Juzi, who had often felt insecure about her appearance.
At least now, she wouldn't feel overshadowed by the maids in Qianran's household. Previously, just seeing those maids—who rivaled top beauties in her academy—had left her feeling tremendous pressure.
When she first met Huo Yuner, one of Qianran's maids and a stunning beauty in her own right, Juzi's anxiety had only deepened.
"My strength has improved significantly as well. My Orange martial soul should now qualify as a top-tier food-type soul," Juzi said excitedly, eager to share her progress with Qianran.
Her enhanced abilities gave her newfound confidence. No longer would she feel stuck as a mere Level 5 soul engineer.
With hard work and Qianran's guidance, perhaps she could even achieve the rank of Level 9 soul engineer someday.
After all, her man was Qianran, a man who could accomplish anything!
"And how will you reward me for this, my dear?" Qianran teased, tilting her now-smoother chin upward to meet her sparkling eyes.
"What more could you want? I'll do whatever you ask, as long as it's within reason—except for that," Juzi replied, quickly adding the caveat. She had heard Keke and the others gossip about men's more... unconventional desires.
Qianran was undoubtedly the type to explore such whims.
Juzi shuddered at the thought.
If she ever agreed to such a request, it would have to be on a truly special occasion. She needed to hold something back for the future. Giving everything all at once left no room for rewards later.
Though she trusted Qianran wouldn't abandon her for newer attractions, she couldn't count on him staying perpetually enthralled. Men were complex creatures, after all.
(Chapter End)